The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved amendments in the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986,enhancing punishment and revising the definition to bring electronic content like MMS under its purview.

The maximum fine for offences under the Act has been increased to Rs 1 lakh for a first time offender from the present Rs 2,000. The prison term has been increased from two years to three years. For a repeat offender,the fine can go up to Rs 5 lakh,and the jail sentence to five years.

The amendments broaden the scope of the law to cover the audio-visual media and material in electronic form, said an official statement. The current Act covers only the print media.

Police officers not below the rank of inspectors can carry out search and seizure.